Humidifier



R. J. BYRD July 14, 1936.

HUMIDIFIER Filed Dec. 4, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 14, 1936. R. J. BYRD 21147767 HUMIDIFIER Filed Deon 4, 1955 5 sheets-smet 2 illlglnlgm.,

July 14, 1936. R. J. BYRD 2,047,767

HUMIDIFIER 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec, 4, 1955 Fig.. I0. INVIENTOR.

Patented July 14, 1936 UNITED STATES ATENT GFFICE 11 Claims.

This invention has for its primary object to provide a device for controlling the humidity and is particularly applicable for use with incubators, but in its broadest aspects is of general application. By utilizing the principle of accelerated evaporation of water the humidity in the incubator is increased or decreased as conditions require, thereby attaining better hatching.

More specifically, the invention provides means for admission to and control of water to each humidifier unit, several of which units may be installed in each incubator, each humidifier unit having a separate water feed pipe with a handcontrolled valve to regulate the amount of water admitted to each unit. A water gauge is also provided. V

The invention is capable of eicient operation in any incubator of standard construction, `and insofar as the broad features of the invention are concerned, the humidifier is of general application, being usable for humidifying buildings, etc.

It has been foundthat the incubation process is further improved when used in connection with the device as outlined above by the additional provision of some means to control the intake and exhaust of air, and the invention also provides for this, thereby further aiding the con- -trolling of humidity in the incubator.

With the preceding and other minor objects in view, the invention will be readily understood from a perusal of the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in said drawings:

Figure l isV a cross-sectional and detail view of one of the units taken on line I-I of Fig. 2, that isthe humidiiier in association with an electric fan, and embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the water receptacle, or trough, and its rotor and radials.

. Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of one of lthe water gauges taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail Vsectional View on line 44 of Fig. l of the rotor hub and shaft, the radials being partly broken away.

Figure 5 is a detail view of one of the supporters for the water container or trough.

Figure 6 is a sectional detail view, taken through an incubator, showing in part the walls of the latter and a platform or support to which are removably attached three of the humidifier units.

Figure 7 is a side elevational View of separate individual water valve controls and pipes for each water container.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the covering or roof of an incubator and illustrating the air exhaust and intake means, and

Figures 9 and l0 are sectional detail views along the lines 9-9 and Ill- Ill respectively of 5 Figure 8, showing construction of the air intake and exhaust means.

Proceeding in accordance with the drawings, wherein like parts bear like identifications, and referring to Figure 1: A motor is shown at I, l@ having a fan with blades 2, the motor being held in position by the supports 3, secured to a platform 4 of the incubator.

A circular water container or trough is held in suspended position underneath (but may be 315 placedabove) the fan and below an opening 6 in the platform by means of several supporters 1. Detailed construction of one of these hangers is shown in Figure 5, the construction permitting easy removal and replacement of the tank.

The tank or trough construction embodies an outside circular wall 8 and an inside circular wall S, the latter being slightly lower in height, as will be apparent from Figure l. These walls being in circumferential spaced relation, joined by a continuation 5, which forms the bottom, provide a circular trough for water I. The area deiined by the inside walls 9 also provides an opening I I for the passage of air from the fan. Each trough or tank has open communication by a pipe I2 with a water gauge, shown in detail in Figure 3. This gauge has a hollow body I3, a

neck I4, a float I5, the latter carrying a rod I6 with an indicating knob I'I.

Midway between the openings VIi and Il and held in axial relation with the motor is a shaft I8, on which is rotatably mounted a hub I9, detailed construction of which is shown in Figurel. The hub is rmly supported by the braces 2I, as shown. 40

Blades 22, secured to and extending radially from the hub provide a means for supporting Yabsorbent material 23, one end 24 of which hangs free and is immersed in the water I0, and as the air from the fan strikes and plays upon the inaterial in a revolving and circuitous fashion which is sufficient to rotate the radials, the end 24 is thus dragged in the water in the path embraced by the circular trough. The part 23 of the material is thus kept wet and moist by capillary attraction. The water troughs are shown as provided with suitable drain cocks 25.

This circulation and passage of air through the openings 6 and II sets up an accelerated evap- 55 oration of the water and provides proper humidity of the air in the incubator.

As the water in each trough or tank is decreased, additional supply thereto is admitted through the pipes 26 from a city water supply line or from a source of water under gravitational pressure. The pipe 21 is a main supply pipe and thus each unit is provided with a continual supply of water, controlled by the hand valves 28. The gauges il readily indicate when the tanks or troughs need replenishing.

The rotor may be allowed to rotate or be held stationary by tightening of the adjusting nut 29, according to the amount of humidity required. "j,

As an additional means for controlling the humidity of the incubator and also to provide proper ventilation, there are provided air intake and exhaust means as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10. The top or roof 35i of an incubator is shown in Figure 8, and centrally thereof are the openings 3l for admission of outer air. A strip of metal 32, having up-turned edges 33 and an opening in register with opening El in the top, provides a guide and slide-way for a second strip of metal 34. The strip 34 has three (or more) openings 35 of varying diameter, and obviously movement of the strip 34 will accordingly cause a selected opening 35 to register with an opening 3i in the top and slide-way to obtain proper air ingress. A similar arrangement is carried out by the longer strips 32 and 34' for outlet of air. Since different ventilation is required at various times for best results of incubation, this arrangement is eicient and aids in controlling the amount of humidity.

Attention is here directed to the fact that incubator fans are of the horizontal type and that the rotor of the humidiiier may be placed either above or below the fan. Also that the invention can be adapted to operate either with a hori- Zontally disposed fan or a fan arranged vertically1 as the case may require.

The invention is also capable of operation as an attachment for electric ceiling fans using the same type of horizontal rotor and water trough used in the incubator. This attachment to be placed either below or above the ceiling ian. It may be also used as an attachment for such an electric fan as may be placed in a furnace for the heating of a building by hot air, the attachment to be used in summer to furnish cooled conditioned air, to be carried to all parts of the building by means of ducts ordinarily used in such furnaces for carrying warm air during the winter. In such applications of the invention, it may be placed either in front or behind of the ian as conditions may require or as may be deemed best. The invention is also capable of efcient service in front or behind any electric fan of the vertical or horizontal type for the purpose of cooling and conditioning the air in one room or an entire building, the air to be piped to the room as may be required. Also it may be used in front or behind any electric fan used in connection with any device for cooling and conditioning air, whether this device be a portable cooling and conditioning unit or a stationary unit built into the building.

The humidifier works equally well with gas, oil or electrically-heated incubators, and requires no extra fan.

The invention may be altered, modied and changed from the construction herein shown, such modifications to be within the scope and meaning of the appended claims.

While in its broadest aspect the invention is capable of use with a fan and humidier whose axes are either horizontal or vertical, the claims of the present case are directed to a humidifier having an annular tank and blades projecting from a vertical axis.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A humidifier comprising an annular water trough surrounding a central opening, a rotor having a plurality of radial blades mounted for rotation about a vertical axis passing through the center of the trough, and absorbent material carried by each of the radials with a portion thereof immersed inthe water of said receptacle, and a portion extending over the central opening.

2. A humidier comprising an annular water receptacle surrounding a central opening, a rotor having a plurality of radial blades mounted for rotation about a vertical axis opening, absorbent material carried by the radials, with a portion thereof immersed in the water in within the central '7 said receptacle and a portion projecting at least part way across said central opening, and means l for directing air through said central opening.

3. A humidier comprising an annular water receptacle surrounding a central opening, a rotor having a plurality of radial blades mounted for rotation about a vertical axis within the central opening, radials, with a portion thereof immersed in the water in said receptacle and a portion projecting at least part way across said central opening, and means for directing air through said opening with a whirling movement, whereby the blades are rotated and moisture from the absorbent material is imparted to the air passing through the openlng.

4. A humidifier comprising an annular water receptacle surrounding an opening, blades projecting radially from a central vertical axis within said opening, and sleeves composed of absorbent material, one sleeve carried by each of said blades with a depending portion of each sleeve immersed in the Water in said receptacle and a portion projecting at least part Way across said opening.

5. A humidier comprising an annular water receptacle surrounding an opening, blades projecting radially from a central vertical axis within said opening, and absorbent material carried by said blades, with a portion thereof immersed in the water in said receptacle and a portion projecting at least part way across said opening, said blades being mounted to permit rotation about said central axis.

6. A humidifier comprising an annular Water receptacle surrounding an opening, blades projecting radially from a central vertical axis within said opening, absorbent material carried by said blades with a portion thereof immersed in the water in said receptacle and a portion projecting at least part way across said opening, said blades being mounted to permit rotation about said central axis, and means for preventing rotation oi" the blades when desired.

7. In a humidifier, in combination, an annular water tank, a plurality of radial blades rotatable about a vertical axis, and freely exposed to the atmosphere, absorbent means carried by said blades and dipping with the water in said tank, and means for directing air centrally through said blades with a whirling movement whereby absorbent material carried by the o the blades are rotated and moisture from the 75.

absorbent material is imparted to the air passing through the blades.

8. A humidier comprising an annular Water receptacle surrounding a central opening, a rotor having a plurality of radial blades mounted for rotation about a vertical axis within the central opening, and absorbent material carried by the radials, With a portion thereof immersed in the Water in said receptacle, and a portion projecting at least part way across said central opening, and means for regulating the supp-ly of water to said receptacle.

9. Humidifying apparatus in combination with a fan, an annular fluid receptacle defining an open area to admit air currents excited by said fan, a hub mounted for rotation centrally of said open area and having radially projecting arms connected thereto, coverings for said arms composed of absorptive material and having flaps depending into said annular receptacle whereby to move therein by the rotary motion imparted to said arms by the air currents impinging said coverings and means for indicating the uid level in said receptacle.

10. Humidifying apparatus including in combination with a blow fan, an annular fluid receptacle defining a circular opening through which the blast of said fan is directed, an evaporator element comprised of fabric covered arms arranged for rotation above said receptacle and having absorptive elements suspended therefrom to effect transfer of the fluid in said receptacle to the fabric cover of said arms and means to fill said receptacle from a point remote therefrom.

11. A humidifying unit constructed for association with a fan including a receptacle arranged for suspension below said fan and having a central air passage, a rotary element mounted intermediate said fan and receptacle having radial arms covered with absorptive material, a portion of which latter is arranged to be partially submerged in the uid in said receptacle whereby to maintain said absorptive coverings at an angle with respect to the air blast of said fan and means for supplying said receptacle with uid.

RUDDELL J. BYRD. 

